THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION

Who: New York punk-blues trio led by one-time Pussy Galore frontman Jon Spencer. The band’s unchanged lineup—Spencer, guitarist Judah Bauer and drummer Russell Simins—took a break in the mid-2000s before returning to the road in 2008.

Why they matter: For reminding us gritty rock ’n’ roll still has a place in the world—and for keeping the spirit of Elvis alive outside Las Vegas.

On Matador: For five albums between 1993 and 2002. The band’s back-catalog is currently being reissued by Shout Factory Records.

CAT POWER

Who: The stage name for doe-eyed singer-songwriter Chan Marshall. The musical descendent of Nico and Joni Mitchell, and the luminous inspiration for artists such as Joanna Newsom.

Why she matters: Cat Power’s bedroom-intimate music and sparse guitar performances speak to those fumbling through life. Whether she’s unburdening her own heart or interpreting the lyrics of others in her smoky, foggy alto, Marshall is larger-than-life.

On Matador: From 1996’s What Would the Community Think through 2008 cover-song tour de forces Jukebox and Dark End of the Street. 2003’s emotional bloodletting You Are Free is considered her best; 2006’s soul-soaked The Greatest is also, well, great.

Spin it: “He War”

SUPERCHUNK

Who: Veteran North Carolina rockers, admired for their independent spirit and musical dependability. The quartet—singer/guitarist Mac McCaughan, guitarist Jim Wilbur, bassist Laura Ballance and drummer Jon Wurster—recently returned to full activity, releasing its first album in nine years, Majesty Shredding, last month.

Why they matter: You have heard “Slack Motherfucker,” haven’t you?

On Matador: The band released its first three LPs on Matador, before moving to the McCaughan- and Ballance-founded Merge Records, Superchunk’s home to this day.

Spin it: “Throwing Things”

SPOON

Who: One of the most popular indie-rock acts around today, bred in Austin and now based in Portland.

Why they matter: Over the last decade, the band—formed by singer/guitarist Britt Daniel and drummer Jim Eno—has made it fashionable to cite Joe Jackson/Elvis Costello-style mod-pop and dapper soul-rock as influences, without sounding like a kitschy retro act.

On Matador: Their 1996 debut LP, Telephono, and the following year’s Soft Effects EP.